BURI RAM: About 1,200 students at Phutthaisong School in the north of Buri Ram province have been barred from entering classrooms in three old buildings damaged by weeks of flooding.
Engineers from local education and public works offices ordered the closure of the three buildings after finding their support pillars were cracked and the reinforcing rods rusted. The buildings were flooded for two weeks in July by overflow from the Mun river.
The engineers warned that the buildings, which are 36-45 years old, could collapse. Repairs would be costly and it would be better to demolish and rebuild them.
The three buildings house 48 classrooms used by about 1,200 of the 2,800 students at the school.
The new school term began on Monday, and the 1,200 students have to study in makeshift classrooms in tents, meeting rooms, storage rooms and garages - which do not provide proper protection from sunlight, wind and rain - until funds are budgeted for the new buildings.
School director Prachai Pornsa-ngakul said he had sought initial funding for 12 knockdown buildings to use until permanent classrooms can be built.
Phutthaisong district chief Nimit Patamacharoen said the three buildings were well past their expected lifetime.
